Ahh September. A beautiful month characterised largely by impromptu pub visits, a time-honoured custom in which reluctant groups sit huddled together in chilly beer gardens in a vain attempt to soak up the last of the summer sun. Should you find yourself victim to this most bizarre of traditions at any point during the month, remember there’s likely a gig happening somewhere nearby. Specifically, keep an eye out for the following…

1) Thursday 5th September – Lauren Aquilina – The Fleece – £7

Fresh from her headline set on the BBC introducing stage at Reading Festival, Bristol born singer/songwriter Lauren Aquilina returns to her birth-town to treat us to an evening of stunning vocals and emotive melodies. At just 18 year’s old, Lauren’s most definitely an exciting future prospect.

2) Saturday 7th September – Luke Brooks – Old Market Festival – FREE!

Kindly organised by the lovely people at the Exchange, the first ever Old Market Music Festival sees over 50 acts take to 6 stages across 4 venues – and it’s all free! A tip, Luke Brooks (of Scarlet Rascal & The Train Wreck) has been booked for a solo set. We’re not sure what to expect, but are keen as mustard to find out.

3) Wednesday 11th September – Babyshambles – O2 Academy Bristol – £23

There are few artists that divide opinion as much as eccentric Babyshambles frontman Peter Doherty. Some see him as a genius heavily contributing to a long overdue rock resurrection, others as a drug-addled waste of time and space. We at Charming Man side with the former, and if you’re the music lover we hope you will too. Catch Babyshambles touring their new album at Bristol’s O2 on 11th September.

4) 21st – 22nd September – Young Kato – Brisfest – £33

Ashton Court’s Brisfest is back with a bang this month and Young Kato are our pick of the festival. Catch the indie-pop six piece headlining the remix tent… although we’re as yet unable to reveal whether that’ll be the Saturday or Sunday. Best to turn up on both to avoid disappointment.

5) Thursday 26th September – 65daysofstatic – Thekla – £13.50

One for the alternatives out there, instrumental post-rock group 65daysofstatic are playing Thekla at the end of the month. We were fortunate enough to catch their set at ArcTanGent festival this month and let us tell you, this one’s gonna be a belter. You have been warned.

Five dates for your diary there, and hopefully something for everyone. If there are any you’re unsure about just remember: it won’t be summer forever. See you there.

This article was written by Chris Bilko, who when not writing for Charming Man kindly runs this here Bristol Music Podcast.